Well seal



Nov. 5, 1963 J. G. FISCHER 3,109,489

WELL SEAL Filed Oct. 6. 1960 FIG.I

United States Patent WELL SEAL Julius G. Fischer, 99 Castle Hill Road, East Aurora, NE!- Filed Get. 6, Ill/oil, ar. No. 6 9,829 2 Claims. (Cl. rte-as This invention relates to means adapted for use in water wells and the like.

More specifically the inventive concept of this invention resides in a unique novel construction for a water well seal.

The device of this invention provides for use in well casings a unit adapted to discharge well fluids which is economical, easily installed, and which provides a highly effective seal against contamination of the well fluid.

It has been the practice in the prior art in installing structures of this nature to lower the sealer unit into the well casing by means of a suspension wire tied or otherwise secured to said sealer. After securing the unit seal to the casing, the wire was left attached to the seal thereby being exposed to rusting and oxidation. It will be an object of this invention to provide an insertion means which will completely correct this prior art disadvantage.

US. Patent 2,859,824, which issued to the present inventor discloses and claims a unit seal having a resilient metal plate which upon the exertion of pressure, conforms to the inner face of the well casing. While this specific structure has had substantial commercial success, it was found that upon the application of pressure in securing this sealing unit, the resilient plate had an undesirable tendency to flare away from the casing wall at its corner portions. This condition could cause rapid deterioration of the seal effected, resulting in leakage, etc. It is a primary object of this invention to provide a unit seal which would not have the structural defects of the above described unit.

The conventional seal heretofore used comprises an inner plate which is somewhat resilient, having an adjacent sheet of flexible porous material which is in immediate contact with the inner face of the well casing. After an opening is provided in the well casing, the unit seal is secured to the casing; this results in exposure of the flexible porous material at the point of opening in the well casing. This exposure could cause not only leakage, but also contamination of the well fluid. It is a further object of this invention to provide a unit seal which would completely eliminate the above disadvantages.

It has been customary in the art to use both single and double vertical pipe means to transfer fluid from a well. The present invention will be illustrated and defined with reference to the one pipe system only; however, it is to be understood that this is done only to easily illustrate the invention; both one and two pipe systems are encompassed Wi-thin the scope of this invention. Also encompassed Within the spirit of this invention are unit seals having both rigid and resilient metal plates.

The unit seal of this invention comprises an inner casing wall plate which is fitted within the well casing after an opening is provided in the casing wall. This wall plate may be conveniently formed from rigid or resilient materials, such as flexible and rigid metals or plastic. This plate, would, if rigid, have a curvature conforming to the normal curvature of the inner casing wall. in the resilient plate embodiment, the curvature of the plate would be about a radius longer than the normal radius of the curvature of the casing. An elbow connector extends through a centrallized opening in the plate, and is secured thereto by any convenient means. At the lower end opening of the elbow connector is attached an internal or service pipe connection means; at the upper end opening of the elbow connector is attached a water pipe or external 3 ,109,489 Patented Nov. 5, 1963 pipe connection means. This water pipe projects forward of and beyond the outer face of the plate. immediately above and below the elbow connector are positioned bolt apertures adapted to receive bolt securing means. It is important to this invention that the bolt securing means he so positioned; it has been found that if the bolts are secured to the sides of the elbow upon application of pressure, a stress on the plate results, which causes the plate corners to flare away from the casing face. This, of course, reduces the sealing and sanitary effects of the unit seal. Positioning the bolts immediately above the elbow connector, together with an additional structural feature, insure a permanent durable sealing means. A further important advantage of positioning the bolts above and below the elbow connector is that a smaller opening could be put in the casing, giving greater strength to the well casing. When bolts are positioned to the side of the elbow aperture, a large opening in the well casing is required. This feature is important, especially when casing of small diameters is used. If, for example, a casing having a four inch diameter is required, it is practically impossible to use a seal with bolts at the sides of the elbow aperture. It has been found that if the upper and lower peripheral edges of the inner plate are crimped, the resistance against buckling or flaring of the plate is increased many times. The crimped edges of the plate, together with the specific bolt positioning, provide a unit seal superior to heretofore used seals of this type.

In the preferred embodiment of this invention, an outer plate, conveniently fitted against the exterior wall of the casing, is utilized, together with the above defined structure, thereby providing greater strength and durablity to the seal.

As described above, prior art devices have exposed on the exterior of the casing, a porous resilient material, usually rubber. After a period of time, this porous material deteriorates and can cause leakage and contamination. The structure of this invention provides an outer rigid metallic plate substantially co-extensive in area with the inner plate and having an area larger than the opening provided in the casing.

A further modification of this invention provides a unit seal having an inner rigid metal plate, which may be used with or without the outer rigid plate. By providing a rigid inner plate, the flared or buckled corners in a resilient plate resulting from the externally applied pressure is avoided completely.

In the modification of this invention, an angle insertion bar is attached to the upper portion of the inner plate in the single pipe arrangement, or in a two pipe arrangement, is centrally located on the inner plate. This insertion bar is perforated at its upper portion, bent at an angle at the point of contact with the inner plate, and projecting away from the front portion of the inner plate. The lower portion of the angle insertion bar is attached to the concave face of the inner plate by the bolt extending into and through the upper bolt aperture. It is preferred that the angle insertion bar form an acute angle with the concave face of the inner plate. However, it is conceivable that the insertion bar may be put at any angle which would allow the immersion means to be withdrawn easily from the casing.

The invention will be further illustrated with reference to the attached drawings.

FIGURE I is a cut-away view of the unit seal secured to the well casing, or installed on the well casing.

FIGURE H is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of this invention.

FIGURE III is a perspective view of another embodiment of this invention.

Referring first to FIGURES I and II:

Well casing 1 is shown after it has been driven into the ground. An opening 2 is provided in the wall of well casing 1 through which the unit seal extends. The unit seal comprises an inner casing wall plate 3 which is a resilient metal plate, or can be a rigid plate if de sired. Inner wall plate 3 if a resilient plate has crimped ends 4 positioned at the upper and lower peripheral edges of plate 3, which increases the overall strength of the plate, and provides a water tight seal even at the corners of the plate. It has been found that in resilient plates, upon being secured to a casing, will fiare at the corners upon the application of pressure on the securing means. To remedy this situation, this invention provides a plate crimped to increase plate strength and provides bolt positions which concentrate the pressure on the plate 3 at a point of least likelihood to cause the plate to buckle or flare. Bolt apertures 5 are provided in plate 3 immediately above and below aperture 6. It will be noted that the upper bolt aperture extends through insertion bar 17, and is adapted to receive a belt which will connect the bar 17 to the inner casing plate 3, and which will secure plate 3 to casing wall of easing I. If a rigid rather than resilient plate is used, the crimping is unnecessary. However, the positioning of the bolt apertures remain important to insure a better seal. An elbow connector 7 is provided in an extending position through inner plate elbow aperture 6. It is preferred that both the elbow aperture 6 and elbow 7 be centrally positioned in inner plate 3. An internal casing pipe connecting means 8 is attached to and suspended from the lower end portion of said elbow connector 7. It is noted thatthe drawing illustrates connection means 9 for plastic suction lines or pipes. However, any conventional connection means for metal pipe may be provided. Also, the structure of this invention can be easily adapted for both deep and shallow wells without departing from the spirit of this invention. Attached to the upper end portion of said elbow connector 7, and projecting forward beyond the outer convex face 10' of the inner wall plate 3 is external pipe connection means 11. Again, any conventional means may be used in place of the plastic pipe or tube connecting means shown at 9. Positioned between inner wall plate 3 and the inner wall 12 of casing 1 is a resilient sealing means 13 which can be made of any suitable substance such as rubber, plastic foams, etc. On the outer casing wall 14 is positioned an outer plate 15 which substantially completely covers sealing means 13 leaving little, if any, of sealing means 13 exposed. Although outer plate 15 is illustrated as being co-extensive with inner plate 3, and sealing means 13, it may be larger than either or both if desired. Extending through inner plate 3, sealing means 13, casing wall 1, and outer plate 15 is securing means 16 which is illustrated as a nut and bolt means '16. It should be pointed out that the device of this invention may be used without outer plate 15. However, the preferred embodiment includes outer plate 15. Midpoint between the upper corners of inner plate 3 is positioned a unit seal insertion means 17. Insertion means comprises an angle insertion bar 17 which is attached at its vertical lower end 18 to the concave face of inner plate 3. The upper portion of angle insertion bar 17 extends out from and at an angle to the inner concave face of wall plate 3. An aperture or perforation I8 is positioned on the upper portion of bar 17 and adapted to receive a hook or other seal insertion means. Illustrated in FIGURE 1 is a hook 19 which is used to insert the unit seal into the casing 1. After the unit seal is secured to the casing 1 the hook 19 will easily be removed from element bar 17 by merely slacking the line so that book 19 drops free of insertion bar 17. Although the preferred embodiment includes insertion means 17, it would not deviate from the invention to use the unit seal of this invention Without insertion means 17.

FIGURE III illustrates another embodiment of this invention having a rigid inner casing wall plate 20 in place of resilient crimped plate 3 illustrated in FIGURES I and II. Rigid inner casing wall plate 2% is illustrated as a rectangular plate. However, elliptical or circular plates may be used. Again, to give proper balance, and to facilitate easy installation insertion bar l7 is positioned midway in the upper portion of inner plate 20. This modification would be used in the same manner as the structure shown in FIGURE 1. Casing wall plate 2% and seal 13 would fit adjacent the internal face of well casing '1, similar to plate 3 and seal 13 of FIGURE 1. Outer plate'lS of FIGURE III will fit on the outer portion of well casing 1 as does outer plate 15 of FIGURE I. The illustration of FIGURE III merely shows the unit seal before installation over an opening 2 as shown in FIGURE I. To install this seal one would loosen the nuts shown (similar to the illustration of FIGURE II) and then attach over an open 2 in a well casing as is the seal of FIGURE I.

Although specific construction to the structures of this invention have been given, it will be understood that this was done only to illustrate the invention. Various modifications and ramifications can be made in the structure of this invention by those skilled in the art upon a reading of this disclosure. These modifications are intended to be comprehended within the spirit of this invention.

I claim:

1. A device adapted to discharge well fluid from a well casing which comprises in combination, a resilient inner casing wall plate, at least one internal pipe conneoting means, at least one external pipe connecting 'means, at least one elbow connector, and a resilient sealing means, said inner casing wall plate curved in an arc-like fashion thereby defining an inner concave face and an outer convex face, said inner casing wall plate having crimped end portions positioned at the upper and lower peripheral edges thereof, said crimped portions extending the length of said inner plate, said inner casing wall plate having provided therein at least one elbow aperture adapted to receive said elbow connector, and

having provided therein immediately above and below said elbow aperture two bolt apentures adapted to. receive bolt securing means, said internal pipe connecting means attached to and suspended from the lower end portion of said..elbow connector, and extending beyond the inner cone-ave face of said wall plate, said external pipe connecting means attached to the upper end portion of said elbow connector, and projecting forward beyond the outer convex face of said wall plate and adapted to extend outwardly of said casing through an opening provided in said casing, said resilient sealing means being positioned immediately adjacent said Wall plate, and adapted to fit between the inner wall of said well casing and the outer face of said wall plate and having bolt apertures therein adapted to be aligned, when said device is in place, with said bolt apertures in said wall plate and with bolt apertures provided in said casing whereby said device can be secured in place by bolts extending through said aligned bolt apertures.

2. A device adapted to discharge Well fluid from a well casing which comprises in combination, an inner casing wall plate, an outer casing wall plate, at least one internal pipe connecting means, at least one external pipe connecting means, at least one elbow connector, and a resilient sealing means, said inner casing wall plate being resilient, and adapted to conform to the curvature of said well casing upon application of pressure, said inner casing wall plate having crimped end portions positioned at the upper and lower peripheral edges thereof, and having centrally positioned therein, at least one elbow aperture adapted to receive said elbow connector; positioned immediately above and below said elbow aperture in said inner casing wall plate are bolt aperturesadapted to receive bolt securing means, said outer cas 5 ing wall plate being substantially co-extensive with said inner plate, and having provided therein, an elbow aperture adapted to be aligned with said inner plate elbow aperture, said outer casing Wall plate also having positioned therein bolt apertures adapted to be in alignment with the bolt apertures of said inner plate, said internal pipe connecting means being attached to and suspended firom the lower end portion of said elbow connector, said external pipe connecting means being attached to the upper end portion of said elbow connector and adapted to project outwardly through an opening provided in said casing beyond the outer face of said outer casing wall plate, said inner casing wall plate having centrally positioned on the upper portion of its inner concave face, a perforated angle insertion bar, said angle insertion bar being attached at its lower portion to the inner face of said wall plate with its upper portion eX- tending out from and at an angle to said inner face of said Wall plate, said resilient sealing means being positioned immediately adjacent said inner casing Wall plate and being adapted to fit between the inner wall of said well casing and the outer face of said inner casing wall plate, and said sealing means having bolt apertures adapted to be aligned, when said device is in place, with said bolt apertures in said wall plates and with bolt apertures provided in said casing whereby said device can be secured in place by bolts extending through said 10 aligned bolt apertures.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 15 2,428,381 Parry Oct. 7, 1947 2,488,470 Gerweck et al 'Nov. 15, 1949 2,594,599 Uhri Apr. 29, 1952 2,859,824 Fischer Nov. 11, 1958 

1. A DEVICE ADAPTED TO DISCHARGE WELL FLUID FROM A WELL CASING WHICH COMPRISES IN COMBINATION, A RESILIENT INNER CASING WALL PLATE, AT LEAST ONE INTERNAL PIPE CONNECTING MEANS, AT LEAST ONE EXTERNAL PIPE CONNECTING MEANS, AT LEAST ONE ELBOW CONNECTOR, AND A RESILIENT SEALING MEANS, SAID INNER CASING WALL PLATE CURVED IN AN ARC-LIKE FASHION THEREBY DEFINING AN INNER CONCAVE FACE AND AN OUTER CONVEX FACE, SAID INNER CASING WALL PLATE HAVING CRIMPED END PORTIONS POSITIONED AT THE UPPER AND LOWER PERIPHERAL EDGES THEREOF, SAID CRIMPED PORTIONS EXTENDING THE LENGTH OF SAID INNER PLATE, SAID INNER CASING WALL PLATE HAVING PROVIDED THEREIN AT LEAST ONE ELBOW APERTURE ADAPTED TO RECEIVE SAID ELBOW CONNECTOR, AND HAVING PROVIDED THEREIN IMMEDIATELY ABOVE AND BELOW SAID ELBOW APERTURE TWO BOLT APERTURES ADAPTED TO RECEIVE BOLT SECURING MEANS, SAID INTERNAL PIPE CONNECTING MEANS ATTACHED TO AND SUSPENDED FROM THE LOWER END PORTION OF SAID ELBOW CONNECTOR, AND EXTENDING BEYOND THE INNER CONCAVE FACE OF SAID WALL PLATE, SAID EXTERNAL PIPE CONNECTING MEANS ATTACHED TO THE UPPER END PORTION OF SAID ELBOW CONNECTOR, AND PROJECTING FORWARD BEYOND THE OUTER CONVEX FACE OF SAID WALL PLATE AND ADAPTED TO EXTEND OUTWARDLY OF SAID CASING THROUGH AN OPENING PROVIDED IN SAID CASING, SAID RESILIENT SEALING MEANS BEING POSITIONED IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT SAID WALL PLATE, AND ADAPTED TO FIT BETWEEN THE INNER WALL OF SAID WELL CASING AND THE OUTER FACE OF SAID WALL PLATE AND HAVING BOLT APERTURES THEREIN ADAPTED TO BE ALIGNED, WHEN SAID DEVICE IS IN PLACE, WITH SAID BOLT APERTURES IN SAID WALL PLATE AND WITH BOLT APERTURES PROVIDED IN SAID CASING WHEREBY SAID DEVICE CAN BE SECURED IN PLACE BY BOLTS EXTENDING THROUGH SAID ALIGNED BOLT APERTURES. 